Previous Match: Cerezo OsakaReview of the Match
That one swing was an acrobatic, powerful, and beautiful moment that stunned the entire stadium, creating a moment of silence followed by explosive joy.
The pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium, which was hit by heavy rain, was slippery and made it very difficult to control the ball.
Still, Tokyo players demonstrated their high technical skills and achieved a "traveling with the ball" style of soccer by thoroughly connecting short passes. While there were moments where they were caught on the counter due to their aggressive play, they continued to fight with a high intensity in defense through pushing up their defensive line and quick pressing back.
However, Tokyo conceded the first goal. When a free kick was given near the penalty area, the ball was placed between the defender and the goalkeeper. The player who broke through couldn't be caught and was pushed into the goal.
It would not have been strange to be disappointed by the conceded goal while controlling the game, but the Tokyo players switched their mindset and took an attacking stance towards the Cerezo Osaka goal.
In the 23rd minute of the second half, Shuhei TOKUMOTO, who was in a deep position in his own half, managed to connect the ball after evading the opponent's pressure and spread it to the right side. Hotaka NAKAMURA's early cross found Ryoma WATANABE, who had made a run into the penalty area. WATANABE controlled the ball with his chest and then, while twisting his body, spectacularly volleyed the ball in mid-air.
The shot that the opposing goalkeeper couldn't move a step for, slightly drove and shook the goal net.
Continuing to dominate the game with the momentum of catching up, we allowed a winning goal in the end and suffered our first loss of the season at Ajinomoto Stadium. It was a tough result, but we will continue to never give up and use this as a stepping stone for future games.
Watanabe said that even though it is not the shape the team is aiming for, a spectacular goal will be born in a team that continues to win. Next, he will score a goal in Tokyo's style of "attacking with the ball" and grab 3 points.
<Preview>
Last season, the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima was highly anticipated as a battle between two new coaches with unique tactics.
A style of controlling the game by holding the ball and pushing the opponent, and a style of immediately transitioning to attack with a strong press from the front line and scoring with a short counter. It was sometimes contrasted with the phrases "possession" and "storming".
The result was 2 wins for Tokyo. In the match at Ajinomoto Stadium, which was the home opener, despite struggling to connect passes, each player seized their chances and brought home the victory. In the away match, they were put under pressure by the opponent's physicality and conceded the first goal, but in the final moments, Adailton's individual skill led to a dramatic comeback win.
This season as well, it seems that the outcome of the game will be determined by the battle at the ball's edge, whether we eat or be eaten.
Considering the team's situation, it is no exaggeration to say that Hiroshima, who has won 5 consecutive official matches since April, is currently the most energetic team in the J-League. On the other hand, Tokyo struggled in both performance and results in early April matches. However, in the league match against Cerezo Osaka and the Levain Cup match against Gamba Osaka, they were able to regain their style of pushing the opponent while maintaining possession of the ball, and were able to score goals despite feeling their way through.
Connect the ball without hesitation against a strong opponent, pass the opponent who quickly approaches the ball side with a strong pass work, and take control of the game. Coming up with ideas to open up the goal after pushing forward is a challenge for this season, but now is the time to show the results of the training we have been working on since the camp, as we are starting to regain our form.
[Interview with Coach Albert]
Q, In the recent Levain Cup, you continued to play with a 4-2-3-1 system. Will you continue to use this system in future league matches?
A, This season, we plan to use different systems depending on the situation, but we believe that the team's style is more important than the system.
Q, In the recent Levain Cup, the side back's good play seemed to improve the quality of ball possession.
A, As the team's style continues to grow, the side back players are expected to play more aggressively and technically. If we can control the ball more than we do now, I think the defensive time and number of times will inevitably decrease. Therefore, we are asking our side back players to play aggressively. Looking back on the Levain Cup so far, I think we were able to express good plays and there were scenes where we outperformed the opponent with good plays when viewed in fragments. There is still a long way to go to establish our style. We want to continue working on it.
Q, How will you use the gains from the Gamba Osaka match in the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match?
A, Sanfrecce Hiroshima tends to not make significant changes to their roster in both the league and Levain Cup. The team's strengths lie in their high-intensity pressing and combination play, led by a great coach. They are a dangerous club in the race for the top, but we are also starting to regain the good feeling we had at the beginning of the season. After the start of the season, players were continuously injured and we were unable to maintain that good feeling, but now we are in the process of regaining it. Along with that good feeling, the players are also sharpening their skills with a good sense of feeling and connection. It is because of this good momentum that we want to continue playing well tomorrow and regain it in the league as well.
Q, What kind of momentum has been created for the team by winning against Gamba Osaka?
A, Just like life, soccer is greatly influenced by one's mental state. Naturally, if we lose a game, we will suffer a great mental blow. On the other hand, winning can help us regain our mental strength and become a tailwind. The victory against Gamba Osaka had a positive impact on us.
Q, How is the condition of Kashif BANGNAGANDE?
In this situation, physical condition alone is not everything. Players like Ryoma WATANABE and Shuto ABE, even if their condition has returned, must first regain their game sense. The same can be said for current player Yoshifumi KASHIWA. By gaining playing time in official matches, he can regain his game sense.
Q, we played against Hiroshima in a pre-season training match. I think that good impression is still with the team.
A, of course, I had a good feeling. It wasn't just the training match with Hiroshima that gave me a good feeling, but also the opening match against Urawa Reds. However, after that, there were a series of players leaving the front line, and I lost that feeling. It seemed that more and more players were leaving the front line as the matches went on. We shouldn't put too much emphasis on the results of training matches, but we were able to progress through the preseason in a good way.
Q, it is a match against Hiroshima, known for their high press.
A, of course, I think it will be a difficult game. However, I don't think it will be easy for them to break through our press. We will stick to our style and fight for victory.
Q, In the recent Levain Cup, Soma ANZAI played the full time. Please evaluate again.
A, one of the positive points in our style is that when technical players join, the ball becomes the lubricant of communication. It won't take long for him to adapt to the fact that passing the ball becomes one of the communication methods. He is the type of player we are expecting. A bright future awaits him.
Q, with the addition of Yasuaki Azusa, it seems that the depth of players in the side back position has increased.
A, there are no players in the team who are guaranteed positions or playing time. I believe that everyone has a chance to play.
[Player Interview]
＜Kashif BANGNAGANDE＞
Q, how is your current condition since returning this week?
A, I think the condition is improving. I was absent for about 3 weeks due to injury, but I was able to return to practice in good shape.
Q, Are you feeling confident and ready to play from here?
A, yes. I can play without any worries or symptoms of injury.
Q, Please tell us about tomorrow's Sanfrecce Hiroshima match.
This is an important match for us as a team to change the momentum. We were able to win against Gamba Osaka in the Levain Cup. We want to continue that and create an even better flow.
Q, Are you feeling more eager to play in the game?
A, I was full of desire to play as soon as possible even during the period of absence. If I can get a chance to play, it's a feeling of "I'll do it!"
Q, Did you also review your own play during the absence period?
In addition to reviewing my own play, I also paid attention to Shuhei TOKUMOTO's play. Studying the plays where I lacked the ability to get inside was very helpful.
Q, How will you use your experience as a member of the Japan national team in the future?
Through representative activities, I realized the need to improve all levels in terms of playing and technical aspects, but it was also a period that worked positively for me. Since I couldn't play soccer for a while, I want to spend a fulfilling time from now on.
Q, Did you feel any sense of accomplishment while playing and working with players from around the world?
A, it still feels like it's not enough.
Q, Regarding participation in friendly matches, the public's evaluation was also highly regarded.
A, while the surrounding evaluation was certainly high, personally, there were also plays I wanted to express, and I still have the impression that there is room for improvement.
Q, if you participate in tomorrow's Hiroshima match, it will also be a place to express what you have gained through representative activities.
A, if there is a chance to participate, I would like to actively try what I have gained. Before that, I am prioritizing the team's victory.
Q, What specific plays do you want to try?
I want to increase the number of plays in the attacking third, which is also one of my strengths, by going inside. In the friendly match against Colombia, I couldn't play in that area at all. I want to show my strengths in a more attacking play and play at a higher position.
Q, Please tell us your impression of Hiroshima again.
A, intensity, individual ability leaves a strong impression. If we can surpass our opponents in individual battles, I believe it will lead to victory. If we increase our attacking play on the sides, it will also lead to taking control of the game. When I play, I want to be aggressive and take the initiative.
